Housing Stabilization Services

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Housing Stabilization Services

Housing Stabilization Services (HSS)

HSS is a Medical Assistance benefit designed to help people with disabilities find and keep housing. The purpose of this program is to support an individual’s transition into housing, increase long-term stability in housing within the community, and avoid future periods of homelessness and/or institutionalization.

 

Housing Stabilization Services consists of three key components: Housing Consultation, Housing Transition Services, and Housing Sustaining Services.

People who do not have waiver case management, targeted case management, or a MSHO/MSC+ care coordinator are eligible for Consultation Services. The housing consultant helps individuals create a housing focused person-centered plan that incorporates their strengths, needs, preferences, and cultural requirements while providing resources for non-housing related goals; updates the plan annually; assists with disability verification; and submits required documents into the state system for program approval.

Housing Transition Services assists individuals in planning for, locating, and transitioning to a home within the community. The expectation is that this service is primarily provided as a direct service and 50% of the services must be provided in person. Transition Service activities include but are not limited to: developing a housing transition plan; supporting the person in applying for benefits to afford their housing; creating and understanding a budget; assisting with the housing search and application process; identifying and applying for resources; etc.

Please note: Housing Transition Services do not cover room and board, deposits, food, furnishings, rent, or utilities.

Housing Transition Services cannot duplicate other services or assistance available to the person.

Housing Sustaining Services support individuals to maintain their home in the community.

The expectation is that this service is primarily provided as a direct service and 50% of the services must be provided in person. Sustaining service activities include but are not limited to: developing, updating and modifying the housing sustaining and crisis/safety plan on a regular basis; preventing and early identification of behaviors that may jeopardize housing; educating and training on roles, rights, and responsibilities of the tenant and property manager; supporting the building of natural housing supports and resources in the community; etc.

Please note: Housing Sustaining Services do not cover room and board, deposits, food, furnishings, rent, or utilities.

Housing Sustaining Services cannot duplicate other services or assistance available to the person.

Individuals are eligible for HSS if they meet ALL the following needs-based criteria:

  • On Medical Assistance (MA) and 18 years of age or older
  • Be experiencing housing instability, evidenced by one of the following risk factors:
    • Homeless – An individual or family is considered homeless when they lack a fixed, adequate nighttime residence.
    • At-risk for homelessness – A situation or set of circumstances likely to cause the household to become homeless, including but not limited to: doubled-up living arrangements where the individual’s name is not on a lease, living in a condemned building without a place to move, having arrears in rent or utility payments, receiving an eviction notice without a place to move, living in temporary or transitional housing that cares time limits; the person, previously homeless, will be discharged from a correctional, medical, mental health or substance use disorder treatment and lacks sufficient resources to pay for housing; or would be at-risk of homelessness if housing services were removed.
    • Transitioning from an institution – Currently transitioning or recently transitioned from an institution or licensed or registered setting (i.e. board and lodge, adult foster care, hospital, intensive residential treatment services, nursing facility, etc.).
    • At-risk for institutionalization and receiving waiver services
  • Have a documented disabling condition:
    • Developmental Disability
    • Learning Disability
    • Mental Illness
    • Substance Use Disorder
    • Illness, Injury, or incapacity with extended incapacitation
  • Be assessed to require assistance with at least one of the following areas resulting from the presence of a disability or a long-term or indefinite condition:
    • Communication
    • Mobility
    • Decision-making
    • Managing challenging behaviors

*Note: Housing Stabilization Services cannot duplicate other services or assistance available to the person. A person cannot receive Housing Stabilization Services if currently receiving Moving Home Minnesota Transition Services, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Services, or MA-funded Relocation Service Coordination (RSC) in the same month. A person must be living in, or planning to transition to, housing that meets home and community-based services (HCBS) settings requirements and is not a community residential setting or foster care (licensed under 245D).

Is Medical Assistance required?

Yes, Medical Assistance is required. HSS is a Medical Assistance benefit and is not covered under MinnesotaCare.

A: Clients must voluntarily choose to participate in HSS, take part of the planning process, and be present and engaged during service delivery. While some activities can be completed on behalf of clients or remotely, active involvement is essential and required to remain in compliance with Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) guidelines. Engagement may include attending meetings, providing input, and maintaining regular communication with service providers. If a client becomes disengaged or unreachable, services may be paused or ended until participation resumes.

The ultimate goal of the HSS program is to empower individuals to take ownership of their housing situation and develop the skills and resources needed for long-term stability.

A: No, Housing Stabilization Services does not provide housing units or have funds to pay for rent or other housing costs. Instead, we help people find housing, complete applications, communicate with landlords, and develop the skills and supports needed to promote housing stability.

IMS provides Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) within Mower and Freeborn counties. In accordance with program requirements, clients must be physically located in either Mower or Freeborn County at the time of service.

Independent Management Services is currently experiencing a increase in referrals. As a result, a waitlist is in place. Referrals will be processed, and new clients accepted, in the order in which they are received. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time and remain committed to providing high-quality care as promptly as possible.

To enroll in our housing program please complete the referral form at the bottom of this page or reach out to our intake coordinator at info@imsofmn.com or 507-437-6389.

Meet The Team

Meet the team

Tessa Bucknell, BA

AMH Treatment Director, HSS Supervisor

Danyelle "Dany" Johnson

Housing Services Program Coordinator

Chrissy DeLuna

Housing Provider

Carrie Sheldon

Housing Provider

Referrals

If you’d like to refer yourself or another indvidual to our housing program please complete the forms below. Completed forms can be emailed to our intake coordinator at info@imsofmn.com or faxed to 507-437-0977

IMS ROI
Referral Form